The city’s newest art installation, the J. Cole mural Fayetteville North Carolina, is turning heads and hearts alike. Painted by New York street artist Efren “Andaluz The Artist” Andaluz, the massive portrait of the Fayetteville native has become both a pop culture moment and civic celebration. It’s more than just a mural it’s part of a growing North Carolina project putting community walls to creative use.
A Living Legend, in Colors
Two days before Dreamville Festival 2024, Andaluz completed the mural at Back-Around Records, centrally located at 1 Market Square, downtown Fayetteville. The piece features J. Cole alongside the welcoming slogan, “Welcome to Fayetteville,” with each letter adorned with nods to local history and the Dreamville label. The timing was perfect an artistic kickoff to the festival weekend.
Celebrating Community and Culture
This is more than street flair it’s a cultural landmark. Andaluz shared that he wanted to honor living legends instead of only memorializing those who have passed:
“I got tired of painting people just because they died. I wanted to get people their flowers while they were still alive.”.
The mural also functions as a public meeting point—fans quickly snapped selfies while locals welcomed this creative addition to downtown’s skyline.
Part of a Broader Trend in NC Street Art
North Carolina’s streets have become canvases celebrating musical and regional art. From Raleigh’s murals featuring J. Cole alongside Nina Simone and Thelonious Monk News Observer to murals in Durham and community-based projects like the Northside gateway arts in Fayetteville, public art is growing across the state as a platform for history, pride, and visual storytelling.
Local Voices: Murals as Landmarks
Community feedback on Reddit drives home the mural’s impact:
“It’s a pretty neat mural.”
“I absolutely love it.”
“It’s still there!”
One fan shared his experience:
“One of the neighbors… offered to take my picture in front of the house… There is a notebook … where you can leave a note for him.”
These words speak volumes this isn’t static art but a pulsating gem woven into a city’s fabric. The J. Cole mural Fayetteville North Carolina is a beautiful blend of fan love, regional pride, and creative expression. It stands as a tribute to a hometown hero, creative culture, and the power of public art to spark connection.
Planning a visit? Add it to your Fayetteville stops! How do you feel about artists getting their flowers while still here to enjoy them and in public, no less?
